The first troglobitic Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the karst area of Serra do Ramalho, Brazil: a threatened species

Author(s)

de Assis, Leonardo ^[1] ; von Schimonsky, Diego Monteiro ^[1] ; Bichuette, Maria Elina ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Ecol & Biol Evolut, Labomtorio Estudos Subterraneos, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, POB 676, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SUBTERRANEAN BIOLOGY; v. 40, p. 109-128, NOV 23 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Pseudochthonius ramalho sp. nov. is described to Gruna do Vandercir cave, in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, southwestern Bahia, Brazil. This area has an extensive limestone outcrop, with several caves, and the occurrence of potential minerals that are financially attractive for mining projects. The new species shows troglomorphic characteristics such as the depigmentation of the carapace and absence or reduction of eyes. It is a rare troglobitic species, and following the criteria of IUCN, we categorized the species as Critically Endangered - CR, IUCN criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii). According to Brazilian legislation, locations, where critically endangered species live, can be protected by law, and we consider this cave/region to be of maximal relevance for protection. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/08459-4 - Are the São Desidério, Serra do Ramalho (southwest Bahia) and São Domingos (northeast Goiás) biodiversity hot spots karstic areas? Cave community analysis and protection criteria
• Grantee: Maria Elina Bichuette
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 08/57949-4 - Institute to Studies of the Parasitic Hymenoptera at the Brazilian Southeastern Region – HYMPAR
• Grantee: Angélica Maria Penteado Martins Dias
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 08/05678-7 - Population ecology and behaviour of Brazilian subterranean fishes, genera Glaphyropoma and Copionodon Pinna, 1992 (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae: Copionodontinae) from Chapada Diamantina, central Bahia
• Grantee: Maria Elina Bichuette
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants